[AB123]

Hi, I want to download HD content from the internet and display it on my TV. However I have a few issues with this regarding present equipment and best/cheapest way to do it. I am prepared to buy new equipment where necessary, but ultimate aim is to spend as little as possible (no more than £200 ideally)

1: PC, and cable internet connection and router are upstairs.

2: I want to be able to watch all downloaded content on my 42" Panasonic 1080p plasma TV, which is downstairs at the other end of the house, and also ideally not have to trail cables everywhere.

3: I need to be able to watch MKV files and all new HD file formats etc.

4: My PC is old (3Ghz single processor etc), and does not have a graphics card capable of properly streaming HD content like MKV / H264 etc without severe stuttering etc.

At present I am restricted to downloading standard def. content in form of avi files for example, to my PC and then burning the files to a DVD, and taking the DVD downstairs and playing it on my DVD player attached to my TV.

What is the best way of getting HD from internet to my TV? (MKV files a must). I have read about many options but not sure if they would all work, or if I would be spending money unneccessarily due to there being a cheaper way.
Methods I have read about include homeplugs, HD media players, external hard drives etc etc in various configurations.
All help appreciated that also stays within or near price range. (I have seen Hisense 1080p media player and WDTV HD players for £60-£100 for example).

[Fe_man2000]

At its most basic you need a media player and a method of transmission if the files are to be stored on your PC upstairs.

Now if you are willing to copy them to USB stick or Harddrive you can buy a cheap non streaming player and forget about the streaming aspect which will save you money and simplify things. But of course its not the slickest method of having your media setup. For example a WD TV or Hisense media player.


If you decide that you want to store media on the PC and send them to the player then personally I would say that either 200mb AV powerline plugs or a running a network cable are you best methods of getting video to your player.

As for the players well I like the popcorn hour A110 but its not cheap. I really like the automatic downloading of the Box art it does when setup with the YAMJ software on the PC but thats a added benefit not a requirement. google YAMJ and look at the screenshots to get an idea what I am on about. you dont need a harddrive in the Popcorn hour to use it by the way.